What is Chuseok?

Chuseok (추석), also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day or Hangawi, is one of South Korea’s most celebrated and beloved holidays. Taking place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, Chuseok is a vibrant three-day festival dedicated to honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude for the year’s harvest, and reconnecting with family roots.

While Americans have Thanksgiving, Koreans have Chuseok — a time when the country slows down, millions travel to their hometowns, and ancient traditions mix seamlessly with modern customs.

The Origins and History of Chuseok

The history of Chuseok stretches back over 1,500 years to the era of the Silla Dynasty. Historians believe Chuseok began as a weaving contest called Gabae, where teams competed and celebrated their harvest achievements. Over time, this evolved into a nationwide festival commemorating the fall harvest and giving thanks to ancestors for their blessings.

The deep spiritual connection to land, moon, and family still shapes Chuseok today, blending Shamanistic traditions, Confucian rituals, and Korea’s agrarian past into a uniquely meaningful celebration.

When is Chuseok Celebrated?

Since Chuseok follows the lunar calendar, its date changes each year on the solar calendar. Typically, Chuseok falls between late September and early October.
In 2025, Chuseok will be celebrated from September 5 to September 7, while in 2026, it is expected around September 24.

Key Traditions and Rituals of Chuseok

🏮 Charye (차례) – Ancestral Memorial Rituals

On Chuseok morning, Korean families gather to perform Charye, an elaborate ancestral rite. Tables are carefully arranged with symbolic foods like rice, meat, fruits, and liquor. Through deep bows and offerings, they thank their ancestors for a bountiful harvest and continued blessings.

Fun Fact: Every food item on the Charye table holds symbolic meaning — such as jujubes representing fertility and rice cakes symbolizing prosperity.

🌿 Seongmyo (성묘) – Visiting Ancestors’ Graves

Visiting and tending to ancestral graves, known as Seongmyo, is another vital part of Chuseok. Families clean the tombstones, remove weeds, and offer food to honor their ancestors’ spirits.

🎎 Wearing Hanbok

Wearing Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, brings a festive and elegant spirit to the Chuseok holiday. The flowing, colorful garments symbolize respect for tradition and add beauty to family gatherings and ceremonies.

🎉 Traditional Games and Festivities

Chuseok isn’t complete without playing traditional games, including:

• Ganggangsullae: A beautiful circle dance performed by women under the full moon.

• Ssireum: Traditional Korean wrestling where two competitors grapple to bring each other down.

• Yutnori: A traditional board game enjoyed during Chuseok gatherings.

These games create joyous memories across generations, blending culture, fun, and community spirit.

Delicious Chuseok Foods You Must Try

Chuseok is a feast for the senses, with foods that embody both the season’s harvest and deep cultural symbolism.

🥟 Songpyeon (송편)

The iconic Songpyeon are half-moon shaped rice cakes filled with sweet fillings like sesame seeds, chestnuts, red beans, or honey. Families often gather to make songpyeon together, believing that beautifully shaped rice cakes will bring beautiful children and good fortune.

🍖 Galbi (갈비)

Grilled marinated beef short ribs, Galbi, are a Chuseok favorite. Tender, savory, and rich in flavor, Galbi symbolizes abundance.

🥢 Jeon (전)

Jeon are savory Korean pancakes made with seafood, vegetables, or meat, dipped in egg batter and pan-fried to crispy perfection.

🍜 Japchae (잡채)

Japchae, stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and sometimes beef, is another essential Chuseok dish known for its colorful presentation and slightly sweet flavor.

Tip: Many families prepare massive tables filled with Chuseok dishes to celebrate the season’s bounty and share joy with loved ones.

Chuseok Gift-Giving: A Modern Tradition

Today, Chuseok gifts have become a huge part of celebrations. Traditionally, offerings of rice cakes and fruit were common. However, modern Chuseok gift sets now include:

• Luxury fruit baskets

• Premium meat or seafood sets

• Traditional teas

• Ginseng products

• Toiletries or skincare gift boxes

• Health supplements

Popular Search Term: Chuseok gifts Korea 2025 is trending every year around the holiday season!

Giving gifts during Chuseok symbolizes wishing prosperity, health, and gratitude towards family members, friends, and colleagues.

Chuseok in Modern Korea

While the essence of family, gratitude, and tradition remains, the way Chuseok is celebrated has evolved:

• Urban Celebrations: Families in cities might opt for restaurant dinners or online memorial services rather than traveling to ancestral hometowns.

• Travel Trends: Many Koreans now also use the Chuseok holiday as an opportunity to travel abroad, leading to the phenomenon known as “Golden Week” for the Korean tourism industry.

• Virtual Connections: With the rise of technology, some families connect via video calls during Chuseok if physical travel isn’t possible.

Despite these modern shifts, the spirit of Chuseok as Korea’s Thanksgiving festival continues to thrive in both traditional and contemporary ways.

Fun Facts About Chuseok

• Meaning: Chuseok literally means “Autumn Eve.”

• Mid-Autumn Connection: Chuseok coincides with other Asian Mid-Autumn Festivals but retains distinct Korean characteristics.

• Popular Foods: Songpyeon, galbi, jeon, japchae, taro soup, and persimmons dominate Chuseok menus.

• Biggest Migration: Chuseok causes one of the world’s largest annual human migrations in South Korea as millions travel to their hometowns.

🎑 Conclusion: Why Chuseok Matters More Than Ever

Chuseok is far more than just a holiday. It is a living celebration of heritage, family, gratitude, and national pride. In an increasingly modern and fast-paced Korea, Chuseok remains a precious time for slowing down, remembering one’s roots, and expressing appreciation for the blessings of the year.

Whether it’s through making songpyeon, bowing in respect during Charye, or laughing together over jeon and japchae, Chuseok reminds us of what truly matters: family, connection, gratitude, and continuity.

As Korea’s most important harvest festival, Chuseok Korean Thanksgiving is a cultural treasure that beautifully bridges past traditions and future aspirations.

Wishing everyone a joyful, heartfelt Chuseok celebration! (추석 잘 보내세요!)